World of Yurman

Heritage

The Story of
David Yurman

1942

The Beginning

David Yurman is born in October in Manhattan. Sybil Yurman (née Kleinrock)
is born in December in the Bronx. Only two months and a few miles apart,
their lives would one day become intertwined through love, art, and design.

Sybil Yurman

David Yurman

1953

A Young Thinker

At the age of 11, David discovers a book in the local library depicting prehistoric
cave paintings. He discovers the beauty of line and his love of art is ignited.

Lascaux cave painting

1958

Learning to
Direct Weld

David spends the summer before 11th grade in Provincetown, Massachusetts, a
destination for bohemians and artists. There, he learns sandal making from
Roger Rilleau and direct welding—the process of creating 3-dimensional forms
from molten metal rods—from sculptor Ernesto Gonzales.

Early 60s

Free Spirit

David hitchhikes to Big Sur, California, and immerses himself in the artistic renaissance
of the beatnik generation. When he returns to New York, he moves to Greenwich Village,
where he becomes an apprentice to renowned sculptor Jacques Lipchitz and eventually
establishes his own sculpture studio on Sullivan Street.

1969

A Charmed Spirit

David meets Sybil while working for sculptor Hans Van de Bovenkamp in New York City. She
would become his co-creator, his partner in business and life.

Sybil Yurman

A painting by Sybil Yurman

1970

Mastering Sculpting

David apprentices with Theodore Roszak, a leading figure of the Post-World War II New York
school of modern sculpture.

David at the workbench

A direct weld piece by David Yurman

1970s

A Business Begins

David designs the sculpted bronze Dante necklace as a gift for Sybil. A gallerist falls
in love with it and places a few in her gallery. They immediately sell out, launching
the Yurman's first jewelry business.

Putnam Art Works

David and Sybil create their earliest collections under the name Putnam Art Works,
selling them at arts and crafts fairs around the country.

1979

Partners for Life

In September, David and Sybil Yurman get married at Temple Emanu-El in New York.
Afterward, they meet some friends for lunch, then head straight to a business meeting,
planning to sell their company. Sybil still has bridal flowers in her hair when they
arrive. The sale is supposed to be Sybil's wedding present, but the offer is too
low; the prospective buyer says he doesn't believe the business is going to be very
successful. The Yurmans walk away from the deal.

1980

Birth of the Brand

Starlight Necklace skectches

David Yurman, the brand and company, is created, and later that year receives the
Jury Award from the World Gold Council for the Starlight necklace, a precursor to
the iconic Cable design.

1981

Pearl of a Design

David is awarded Designer of the Year by the Cultured Pearl Associations of America
and Japan.

1982

A New Generation

Evan Yurman is born in January. From a very young age, he shows an aptitude
and love for design.

David and Evan

1983

A Design Icon

David Yurman introduces the first Cable bracelet. The Cable motif soon becomes the
connecting element in every DY collection.

1987

A Grand Debut

After just seven years in existence, David Yurman debuts in Basel, Switzerland at
the World Watch and Jewelry Show—the world's largest event of its kind.

1997

Silver Ice

With the introduction of Silver Ice®, David Yurman is the first major designer to
set diamonds in sterling silver, revolutionizing the world of fine jewelry.

Silver Ice bracelets

The Yurmans introduce the Cable Watch Collection® with the intention to design a
"bracelet that tells time." All David Yurman timepieces are produced in La
Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.

1999

A Groundbreaking Campaign

The first major ad campaign is released, featuring model Amber Valetta shot by
celebrated fashion photographer Peter Lindbergh. His black and white images will
become legendary, embodying effortless American luxury and the joy of wearing
beautiful jewelry.

1999

The First Boutique

The first David Yurman flagship store opens on Madison Avenue.

1999

Design for a Cause

Inspired by a sculpture he created more than 20 years prior, David Yurman designs the
Angel pin to benefit Project ALS, which generates over $250,000 for Lou Gehrig's
disease.

2001

Angels of Hope

The David and Sybil Yurman Humanitarian and Arts Foundation is established. David
Yurman Angel Awards are presented to individuals who give the gift of time and
funding to charity and the arts. Recipients include Steven Spielberg, Elton John,
and Leonard Slatkin.

Steven Spielberg accepts his David Yurman Angel Award

2003

A Timely Expansion

David Yurman SA, a watch company based in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, is
established to develop and build all David Yurman timepieces.

The David Yurman headquarters moves to New York's Tribeca neighborhood. An article
from Time Magazine's Style & Design supplement lauds the new space.

The Yurman's son, Evan Yurman, joins the company, and soon becomes the head of men's
jewelry design.

2004

Daring Style

Kate Moss brings her inimitable charisma to David Yurman's campaigns.

2005

A Major Birthday

The company celebrates its milestone anniversary with an event, 25 Years of Classic
American Design, at the Frick Collection in New York City.

2006

L.A. Times

David Yurman opens a flagship boutique on North Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

2006

A Beautiful Booth in Basel

At the World Watch and Jewelry Show in Basel, Switzerland, the David Yurman booth sets
a new standard, winning an award for its design.

2006

The Art of Love

David Yurman introduces the Wedding Collection: unique engagement rings created with
the eye and heart of a sculptor.

2008

Headed for Hong Kong

David Yurman's first international boutique opens in Hong Kong.

2009

Time, Designed

The Classic™ timepiece for men is introduced. The watch features a round case—a
first for the designer—in three hand, moon phase, and chronograph movements.
The collection will go on to encompass sleek, beautiful designs for women, as
well.

2010

Grand Openings

David Yurman celebrates its 30—year anniversary with the opening of the
Townhouse, its new flagship boutique on Madison Avenue. The five-story
converted townhouse honors the brand's dedication to beautiful design and
craftsmanship, from the Cable-inspired staircase to door handles
hand-sculpted by David Yurman himself.

This year also marks the debut of a David Yurman boutique in Paris. When
they visit for the opening, David and Sybil witness a spectacular
fireworks display over the Eiffel Tower. This is the genesis of the
Starburst Collection.